Valerie Harper on Living in the Moment

Four-time Emmy-winning actress Valerie Harper has announced that she was recently diagnosed with a rare form of terminal brain cancer. Known to many as Rhoda Morgenstern from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Harper’s revelation landed on the cover of People and she was interviewed by the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Doctors, and countless other outlets.

Her condition is unpredictable and she told interviewers that she could have as little as a few weeks to as much as a year left to live. In the face of this news, her message is refreshingly positive – it’s not about death; it’s about how she is choosing to live every day. Talking to the Doctors she said: “More than anything, I’m living in the moment. I really want Americans and all of us to be less afraid of death.” In her interview with the Today Show she said “I have an intention to live each moment fully,” continuing “I’m not dying until I do.”

Our culture sometimes treats death and dying as topics just for the elderly and seriously ill. The truth is, any of us can have an accident or become ill at any time. Who can make decisions for us? What would we want the doctor on call to know about us, especially since there’s little chance the doctor will know who we are? Even if death isn’t likely, a person can often be too disoriented to communicate clearly or have access to key contact information. Everyone at MyDirectives believes the 21st century consumer deserves better.

Valerie’s announcement hits all of us with different emotions. We applaud her willingness to speak out and encourage each of us to have intention and purpose and to face these kinds of conversations head on. Not sure how to start the conversation? Check out our guide.